Kenosha Reporter

The new bill authored by State Sen. Van H. Wanggaard seeks to ensure all Wisconsin schools include civics instruction to promote understanding of government and civic responsibilities, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill requires that, starting in the 2027-28 school year, all Wisconsin school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program incorporate civics instruction into their curricula. This mandatory instruction covers students' rights and responsibilities, civic pride, effective government advocacy, and understanding different governmental philosophies. Additionally, it mandates that at least one-half credit of civics instruction is included in the three required social studies credits for high school graduation, starting with the class of 2030-31. These schools must annually report their compliance to the Department of Public Instruction, which will then compile and submit the information to the state legislature. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Amanda M. Nedweski (Republican-32nd District) Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), and Representative Bob G. Donovan (Republican-61st District), along eight other co-sponsors.

Van H. Wanggaard has authored or co-authored another 14 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Wanggaard graduated from Gateway Technical College.

Wanggaard, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2015 to represent the state's 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator John Lehman.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
SB30	02/12/2025	Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE)
SB12	02/03/2025	A sales and use tax exemption for the sale of gun safes. (FE)
SB6	01/24/2025	Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses
SB5	01/24/2025	Battery or threat to jurors and providing a penalty